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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Anna Guran

Khabib Nurmagomedov becomes Russia's biggest social media star after win

Khabib Nurmagomedov has become Russia's most followed Instagram star after his recent win over Dustin Porier.

Nurmagomedov choked out his American rival in the third round at UFC 242 on Saturday, successfully defending his UFC lightweight championship belt in the process.

With an unbeaten record of 28-0, the 30-year-old also holds the longest undefeated streak in MMA history.

And in his native Russia, Nurmagomedov overtook singer Olga Buzova to claim the country's most-followed celebrity tag.

The gorgeous 33-year-old pop star boats 16.3million Instagram followers while the MMA champ has seen his fan base on the social network swell to 16.5m.

As well as becoming Russia's most popular Instagram star, Nurmagomedov earned $6m (£5m) for his third-round win over Porier.

Khabib Nurmagomedov with his UFC belt (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Nurmagomedov, who hails from Russia's Dagestan region, was also the first Muslim to win a UFC title.

His next fight is expected to be against former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson.

Nurmagomedov speaks several languages, including Avar, Russian, English, Turkish, and Arabic.

He frequently wears a traditional 'papakha' hat, part of his Dagestani-Avar culture, after fights and during promotional events.

Two weeks ago, the MMA champ told Russian media that he is expecting his third child with his wife.

Nurmagomedov overtook singet Olga Buzova (Vyacheslav Prokofyev/TASS)

Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov hit out at Conor McGregor after the Irishman called for a rematch.

Nurmagomedov choked out the Irishman last year after a bitter build-up.

McGregor wants a second shot at the champion and is prepared to go to Moscow.

But Nurmagomedov said: "I want to forget the b******t with the last guy (McGregor).

"Me and Dustin Poirier have showed MMA is about respect, not trash-talking.

“When you go to a gym you respect the trainer, the coaches, your team-mates and your opponents. You keep the gym clean and tidy it."

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